Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding “direct talks” with Kyiv, a move welcomed by his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky although he stressed that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire first.

Vladimir Putin has set a date for direct talks with Ukraine in a landmark late-night address from Moscow. The Russian President has laid the groundwork for face-to-face negotiations on May 15 with the country his forces invaded three years ago.